WO1997039574A1 - Matrix switcher - Google Patents

Abstract

A matrix switcher which is used in the switcher system of a broadcasting station, connects a plurality of input lines with a plurality of output lines at arbitrary points, and output supplied source video signals from a desired output line. The switcher is specially constituted so that the input corresponding to each output is easily confirmed. On an operation panel (40) of the switcher system which connects the inputs with outputs by arbitrarily switching the inputs and outputs, there are provided cross point buttons (40A) which respectively select a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, a source name display section (40N) on which inputted source names are displayed, delegation buttons (40A) which respectively select the outputs, and an output source name display section (45N) on which selected and outputted source names are displayed. When one of the delegation buttons (45A) selects a prescribed output, one of the cross point buttons (40A) changes the source name displayed on the displaying section (45N) to the source name newly selected by one of the cross point buttons (40A). Therefore, all source names currently selected for each output can be confirmed directly at a look.

Description

 Itoda »Matrix Switcher Technical Field

 The present invention relates to a matrix switcher that outputs a source video signal supplied to an input line from a desired output line by switching a cross point at which a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines are connected. More specifically, the operator can visually recognize the cross point by displaying the source name given to the source video signal in correspondence with the multiple operation buttons for switching the cross point provided on the control panel. It relates to a matrix switcher that can be used. Background art

 As a switcher system for broadcasting stations, a matrix switcher having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines is used. The matrix switch has a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines. By switching a cross point where the input line and the output line are connected, the source video supplied to the input line is switched. This is a device that outputs a signal from a desired output line. Such a matrix switch includes a control panel having a plurality of operation buttons for switching a plurality of cross points. This control panel is also called a console. The operator can freely switch the cross point by operating the operation buttons on this control panel.

However, in recent broadcasting station systems, the number of input devices such as video cameras and VTRs connected to one matrix switcher and the The number of output devices such as servers tends to increase. For example, assuming that 10 input lines and 10 output lines are provided in consideration of an increase in the number of input / output devices, there will be]. 0 0 cross points. Conventionally, 100 operation buttons have been arranged on the control panel in order to switch these 100 cross points, respectively.

 However, the area on the control panel was limited, and it was difficult to arrange more buttons. Furthermore, in recent broadcasting station systems, the number of input devices such as video cameras and VTRs connected to one matrix switcher and the number of output devices such as disk recorders and servers tend to increase. Therefore, it is thought that the number of the cross points may further increase, and it was difficult to arrange more buttons on the control panel due to space. In addition, only a plurality of operation buttons for switching cross points were provided on the control panel of the conventional matrix switcher. Therefore, in order to recognize from which source device the signal output from a certain output line is a signal supplied from an operator, the operator must set a cross point with a certain input line set on the output line. I needed to find out, and also the source device connected to that input line. Therefore, it is difficult for an operator to immediately recognize from which source device the signal output from a certain output line is supplied. In particular, in a broadcasting station system, the switched video may be sent directly to each home, such as in the case of live broadcasting, and real-time performance is required at the time of video transmission. There was a request to shorten the time and reduce operation errors. Disclosure of the invention

A matrix switch according to the present invention is a matrix switch for switching a cross-point formed by a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines. A switch having a plurality of cross-point buttons for selecting a desired input line from the plurality of input lines, and a plurality of delegation buttons for selecting a desired output line from the plurality of output lines. A panel, and a source name given to the source signal supplied to the input line is displayed on a predetermined name display section, and the source name given to the source signal output from the output line via the cross point is displayed. Panel control means for displaying a source name on a predetermined name display section.

 Accordingly, the source name previously assigned to the signal output to the output line is displayed on the control panel name display section in association with the delegation button indicating the output line. It is possible to directly grasp which device the device is.

 Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention comprises: a cross-point assignment table for storing assignment data for assigning a plurality of cross-point buttons to a plurality of input lines; a source supplied to the plurality of input lines; It has a source name table for storing the source names assigned to the signals.

 Therefore, a plurality of input lines can be freely assigned to a plurality of cross point buttons. Also, a free source name can be given to the source input signal. Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention stores the cross point allocation table and the source name table in a non-volatile memory, so that even after the power of the switcher is turned off, the data of this table is re-executed. Can be used.

Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention has a cross point table for storing cross point information indicating a connection Z non-connection state of all cross points in the matrix section inside the processor. Therefore, the panel control means can always grasp the connection / disconnection state of the cross points of the matrix section, and can perform high-speed control on the control panel. Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects the input line connected to the output line corresponding to the delegation button based on the information of the crosspoint table, and selects the input line based on the source name table. The source name given to the source signal supplied to the input line is displayed.

 Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects one output line from a plurality of output lines in response to the operation of any one of the plurality of delegation buttons, and then selects the plurality of cross point buttons. One cross point is selected from multiple cross points in the matrix by selecting one input line from multiple input lines in response to the operation of one of the operation buttons.

 Therefore, the cross-point can be reliably selected with a small number of operation buttons on the control panel.

Also, the matrix switcher of the present invention includes a first process of selecting one output line from a plurality of output lines in response to a button selected by the operation button of the delegation button, and information of a cross point table. The input line that is already connected to the output line selected in the first process is selected from among the plurality of input lines, and the output line set in the first process is set for the output line selected in the first process. A second process for selecting a cross point from among a plurality of cross points in the processor, and a cross process assigned to the input line selected in the second process based on a cross point assignment table. A third process for selecting a point button from multiple cross-point buttons, and a third process for selecting A fourth process of lighting the selected cross point button is performed. Therefore, when the operator operates the delegation button, the cross-point button associated with the input line connected to the output line associated with the delegation button can be automatically turned on. Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention is turned on in the fourth process. The fifth processing for detecting whether or not a button other than the cross-point button has been selected by the operation of the operator, and the first operation button selected in the fifth processing based on the cross-point button allocation table. A sixth process of selecting a corresponding input line from a plurality of input colors, and a plurality of processes according to the output line selected in the first process and the input line selected in the sixth process. A seventh process of selecting one crosspoint as a crosspoint to be connected from the crosspoint, a control command for switching the crosspoint selected in the second process from a connected state to a disconnected state, and a seventh command. And a control command for switching the cross point selected in the processing of the above from the disconnected state to the connected state to the processor. And the eighth processing and perform to. Therefore, by simply operating the delegation button and the crosspoint button, the crosspoint can be automatically switched, and the usability of button operation is improved.

 Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention includes a ninth process for searching for a source name assigned to the input line selected in the sixth process based on the name data of the source name table, and a ninth process. A 10th process in which the source name searched in the 9th process is newly displayed on the name display section corresponding to the output line selected in the 1st process, instead of the source name already displayed And try to do. Therefore, when the cross point is switched, the name that is automatically displayed is changed according to the switching. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 The above objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a switcher system using the matrix switch of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a matrix switch processor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of a control panel of the matrix switcher, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first signal selection operation block of the control panel, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second signal selection operation block of the control panel. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a signal selection operation block, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a third signal selection operation block of the control panel, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an AUX signal selection operation block of the control panel, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an AUX signal selection block in the matrix unit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a panel control block.

 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a crosspoint button assignment table.

 FIG. 11 shows a source name table.

 FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a crosspoint table.

 FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the matrix switcher according to the present invention at the time of setup. FIG. 14 shows the operation of newly setting a cross point in the matrix switcher according to the present invention. A flowchart,

 FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of changing a cross point in the matrix switcher of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 A matrix switcher according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

 1. Description of the whole system

 First, a switch system for a broadcasting station using a matrix switcher of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

This switcher system has a processor, a control panel 2, and a panel control block 2c. The processor 1 includes a signal processing circuit for performing signal processing on the video signal supplied to the input unit, and a plurality of video signals supplied to the input unit. And a switching circuit for switching the video signal to output to a plurality of output units. The control panel 2 has a plurality of operation buttons, a display unit, and the like. The panel control block 2 c is a block provided on the substrate on the back side of the control panel 2. The panel control block 2c is connected to the processor 1 by an RS-422A format communication cable, and sends a control signal to the processor 1 according to the operation state of the control panel. Specifically, the panel control block 2c instructs signal processing to be performed in a signal processing circuit provided inside the processor 1, and controls switching of cross points in the switching circuit.

 The input side of this processor 1 is provided with 29 input lines, and the output side of this processor is provided with 13 output lines. Here, for the convenience of the following explanation, these 29 input lines are divided into the first primary input 1 line (P rm 1), the second primary one input 2 line (P rm2), and the third primary input line (P rm3) to 29th primary one input line 29 (P rm29). Also, these 13 output lines are connected to a first auxiliary output line (AUX 1), a second auxiliary output line (AUX2), a third auxiliary output line (AUX 3) to the first 13 output lines. Auxiliary output line (AUX 13).

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a first video camera 3a is connected to a first input line P rm 1 of the processor 1, and a second video camera 3b is connected to a second input line P rm2. The third input line P rm2 is connected to the third video camera 3, the fourth input line P rm4 is connected to the first VTR4a for recording and playback, and the fifth input line A second VTR4b for recording and playback is connected to Prm5, a third VTR4c for playback is connected to the sixth input line Prm6, and a second VTR4c for playback is connected to the seventh input line Prm7. 4 is connected to the VTR 4d, the eighth input line P rm8 is connected to the first disk recorder 6a, and the ninth input line P rm9 Is connected to the second disc recorder 6 b, the tenth input line P rm 10 is connected to the first special effect device 7 a, and the first input line P rml 1 is connected to the second special recorder The effect device 7b is connected, and the third special effect device 7c is connected to the twelfth input line P rm12.

 In the present embodiment, it is assumed that no devices are connected to the input lines of the thirteenth input line Prml 3 to the twenty-ninth input line Prm29, and the illustration thereof is omitted. . Also, the connection between the input line and each device is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and any connection is possible.

 As shown in FIG. 1, a first VTR 4 a for recording and reproduction is connected to the first output line AUX 1, and a second VTR 4 b for recording and reproduction is connected to the second output line AUX 2. The third output line AUX 3 is connected to a fifth VTR 4e for playback, the fourth output line AUX 4 is connected to a sixth VTR 4f for playback, and the fifth output line AUX 4 is connected to a fifth VTR 4f for playback. The output line AUX 5 is connected to an on-air server 5 that buffers the video signal on air, the sixth output line AUX 6 is connected to the first disk recorder 6a, and the seventh output line AUX 7 is connected to a second disc recorder 6b, an eighth output line AUX 8 is connected to a first special effects device 7a, and a ninth output line AUX 9 is connected to a second special effects device 7a. b is connected, and a third special effect device 7c is connected to the tenth output line AUX10.

 It is assumed that no devices are connected to the output lines of the first to thirteenth output lines AUX11 to AUX13, and the illustration thereof is omitted. Also, the connection between the output line and each device is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1, and any connection is possible.

The special effect devices 7a, 7b, and 7c are devices for applying special effects such as image transformation in a three-dimensional space to the supplied video signal. That's why it is also called "digital multi 'effector".

 Further, the switcher system includes an editing machine 8a for editing the source video supplied to the processor 1 and a computer 8b for controlling the editing machine 8a. The editing machine 8a is connected to the processor 1, special effect devices 7a, 7b, 7c, video camera 3a> 3b, 3c, via a communication cable conforming to the RS-422A communication format. VTRs 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and disk recorders 5a, 5b can be controlled. The editing machine 8a receives an editing list representing a desired editing operation created by an operator operating the convenience store 8b. Then, according to the editing list, the editing machine 8a sends a command for outputting a video signal to the video cameras 3a, 3b, and 3c, and the VTRs 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4 Sends control commands such as playback, stop, and recording to d and the disc recorders 5a and 5b. The editing machine 8a controls the type and timing of the effects processed in the special effect devices 7a, 7b, 7c based on the editing list, and controls the switching circuit in the processor 1. Control switching timing.

2. Processor description

 Next, the processor 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The processor 1 has a CPU 101 for controlling the entire processor 1 and a parallel digital signal suitable for signal processing inside the switch, which converts a serial digital interface (SDI) format video signal into a signal. An input processing unit 103 for conversion, a matrix unit 104 for switching connections between a plurality of input signal lines and a plurality of output signal lines, and a chroma key unit for generating a chroma signal from a YUV signal supplied for key signal generation. Based on the video signal and key signal supplied from the circuits 105, 106, and 107, the matrix unit 104, and the chroma circuit 105, 106, and 107, effects can be applied to the video signal, The first MZE (Mix Z effect) circuit 150 for mixing video signals, It includes a second M / E circuit 160, a third MZE circuit 170, and an output processing unit 108 for converting video signals output to a plurality of output lines into SDI format video signals.

 The processor 1 is provided with 29 input lines from a first input line Prml to a 29th input line Prm29 as input lines for inputting to the input processing unit 103 and the matrix unit 104.

 On the other hand, in the processor 1, 13 output lines including a first output line AUX1 to a thirteenth output line AUX13 are provided as output lines output from the matrix unit 104 and the output processing unit 108. I have. Further, first, second, and third program lines are provided as output lines from the first MZE circuit 150, the second MZE circuit 160, and the third MZE circuit 170. Note that the video signal output to the first program line is a video signal that has been subjected to effect processing and mixing processing by the first MZE circuit 150, and is a video signal output to the second program line. Is a video signal that has been subjected to effects and mix processing by the second MZE circuit 160, and the video signal output to the third program line is processed by the third M / E circuit 170. This is a video signal that has been subjected to cut and mix processing.

 In the matrix section 104, 29 input lines arranged vertically in FIG. 2 and 16 output lines arranged in a horizontal direction intersect in a matrix and switch the input and output lines and the output lines. The connection of the line can be freely selected.

Incidentally, these 29 input lines are 29 input lines including the first input line P rm1 to the 29th input line P rm29 described above. In addition, these 16 output lines correspond to the 13 output lines including the first output line AUX 1 to the thirteenth output line AUX 13 described above and the first program line. It consists of three output lines consisting of a line and a third program line.

 Further, the matrix unit 104 includes a first signal selection block 110 having three output lines connected to the first MZE circuit 150, and a three signal connection block connected to the second MZE circuit 160. A second signal selection block 120 having three output lines, a third signal selection block 130 having three output lines connected to the third MZE circuit 170, and the first output line AUX described above. An AUX signal selection block 140 having thirteen output lines consisting of the first to thirteenth output lines AUX13.

 As shown in FIG. 2, three output lines of the first signal selection block 110, three output lines of the second signal selection block 120, three output lines of the third signal selection block 130, The 13 output lines of the AUX signal selection block 140 cross all the input lines from the first input line Prml to the 29th input line Prm29, and the cross points can be freely switched. is there.

 The chroma circuits 105, 106, and 107 are circuits that receive a luminance signal Y and color difference signals U and V supplied from the outside and generate various types of chroma signals from these signals.

 The first MZE circuit 150, the second M / E circuit 160, and the third MZE circuit 170 apply an effect such as three-dimensional conversion to the video signal, or perform two video signals such as a wipe. It is a circuit that performs transitions between two or mixes two video signals.

The CPU 101 receives a control command sent from the panel control block 2c of the control panel 2, and controls each circuit of the processor 1 according to the control command. For example, the CPU unit 101 controls the switching of the cross point in the matrix unit 104 based on the received control command. In addition, the CPU section 101 uses the chroma circuit circuits 105, 106, 107 The type of chroma to be generated, the type of effect applied to the video signal in the first to third MZE circuits 150, 160, and 170, the mix ratio, and the like are controlled.

 3. Control Panel Description

 Next, the control panel 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

 The control panel 2 includes a first signal selection operation block 0, a second signal selection operation block 20, a third signal selection operation block 30, an AUX signal selection operation block 40, It has a first M / E operation block 50, a second MZE operation block 60, a third MZE operation block 70, and a display block 80. The first signal selection operation block 10 is a block in which a plurality of operation switches for operating switching of cross points in the first signal selection block 110 of the processor 1 are arranged. The second signal selection operation block 20 is a block in which a plurality of operation switches for operating switching of cross points in the second signal selection block 120 of the processor 1 are arranged. The signal selection operation block 30 of the processor 1 is a block in which a plurality of operation switches for operating crosspoint switching in the third signal selection block 130 of the processor 1 are arranged, and is an AUX signal selection operation block. Reference numeral 40 denotes a block in which a plurality of operation switches for operating switching of cross points in the AUX signal selection block 140 of the processor 1 are arranged.

Further, the first MZE operation block 50 includes a plurality of operation switches and operation levers for performing operations related to effect processing and mix processing performed in the first MZE circuit 150 of the processor 1. The second MZE operation block 60 includes a plurality of operation switches and operations for performing operations related to effect processing and mixing processing performed in the second MZE circuit 160 of the processor 1. The third MZE operation block 70 is a block in which the / is arranged, and the third MZE operation block 70 of the processor 1 executes the effect processing performed in the third MZE circuit 170. It is a block in which a plurality of operation switches and operation levers for performing operations related to processing and mixing are arranged.

 The display block 80 displays a menu for performing the setup of the processor 1 and is operated by the first MZE circuit 150, the second MZE circuit 160, and the third MZE circuit 170. This is a block for displaying a menu or the like for selecting the effect to be selected from a plurality of effects.

 Next, the first signal selection operation block 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

 The first signal selection block 10 includes a foreground video signal button row 1 OA for selecting a foreground video signal supplied to the first MZE circuit 150 and a first M / E circuit. A row of background video signal buttons 10B for selecting a background video signal to be supplied to 150, and a key signal button for selecting a key signal to be supplied to the first MZE circuit 150 Source name display section 1 ON that displays the names given to the source signals supplied to the input lines of row 10 K, the foreground video signal button row 10 A, and the background video signal button row 10 B. And

As shown in FIG. 4, the foreground video signal button row 10A includes a first crosspoint button 101A from the left and a second crosspoint button 102 from the left. A total of 29 cross-point buttons consisting of 2 A, the third third cross-point button from the left 103 A, ... Are located. Similarly, the background video signal button row 10B includes the first crosspoint button 101B from the left, the second crosspoint button 102B from the left, and the left. A total of 29 crosspoint buttons, consisting of the third third crosspoint button from 1 to 3B, ..., the 29th ninth ninth crosspoint button from the left 1 to 9B, are arranged. ing. Also, the key signal button row 10K has the first Input button 101K, 2nd first crosspoint button 1022 from left, 3rd third crosspoint button 103Κ from left, ..., 29th 29th crosspoint button 129Κ left 29 crosspoint buttons are arranged.

 Each of the 29 first to 29th cross point buttons provided in each of the cross point button rows 1 OA, 10 B, 1 OK has an identification number of “1” to “29” from the left side, respectively. Is given.

 The source name display 1 ON has the first first name display 101N from the left, the second second name display 102N from the left, and the third name display 103N third from the left. , To, a total of 29 name display portions including a 29th 29th name display portion 129N from the left are provided. Specifically, the source name display section 1 ON is assigned to an input signal supplied to the input line associated with each cross point button row 10A, 10B, 1 OK. The displayed name is displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, each of the crosspoint button rows 10A, 10B, 1 OK is associated with the first first crosspoint button 101A, 101B, 101K from the left. Since the name given to the input signal supplied to the input line P rm 1 is “CAM1”, the letters “CAM1” are displayed on the first name display section 101N. In addition, each crosspoint button row 10A, 10B, 1 OK is attached to the source signal supplied to the input line Prm2 associated with the second crosspoint button 102A, 102B, 102K. Since the name is “CAM2j”, the characters “CAM2” are displayed on the second name display section 102N. The name given to the source signal is a name set in advance. A method of assigning a name to the source signal will be described later.

Next, the second signal selection operation block 20 will be described with reference to FIG. Basically, it is exactly the same as the first signal selection operation block 10 already described. You.

 The second signal selection block 20 has the same crosspoint button row as the first signal selection block. More specifically, the second signal selection block 20 includes a foreground video signal button row 2OA for selecting a foreground video signal supplied to the second MZE circuit 60, and a second A background video signal button row 20 B for selecting a background video signal supplied to the MZE circuit 160, and a key signal for selecting a key signal supplied to the second MZE circuit 160. Source name display section 2 that displays the names given to the source signals supplied to the input lines of the key signal button row 20 K, the foreground video signal button row 20 A, and the background video signal button row 20 B. 0 N. The foreground video signal button row 2OA includes, in order from the left, a first crosspoint button 201A, a second crosspoint button 202A, a third crosspoint button 203A, ~, A total of 29 crosspoint buttons consisting of a ninth ninth crosspoint button 229A are arranged. Similarly, the background video signal button row 2 OB includes a first crosspoint button 201B, a second crosspoint button 202B, a third crosspoint button 203B, ~, A total of 29 crosspoint buttons including a ninth crosspoint button 2 229 B are arranged. In addition, the first crosspoint button 201 K, the second crosspoint button 202 Κ, and the third crosspoint button 203 に は are arranged in order from the left in the key signal button row 20 K. :, ~, 29th cross point button 2 29 Κ A total of 29 cross point buttons consisting of Κ are arranged.

 As in the case of the first signal selection block 10, the 29 first to 29th crosspoint buttons provided in each of the crosspoint button rows 2 OA, 2 OB, 2 OK include: From the left, identification numbers “1” to “2 9” are assigned, respectively.

In the source name display 2 ON, the first name display 2 0 1 N and the second There are provided a total of 29 name display sections including a name display section 202N, a third name display section 303N, ..., a 29th name display section 229N. More specifically, the source name display section 20N is supplied to the input line associated with each cross point button arranged in each cross point button row 20A, 20B, 20K. The name given to the input signal is displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the input line P rm 1 associated with the first cross point buttons 201 A, 201 B, and 201 K at each cross point button row 20A, 20B, 2 OK Since the name given to the source signal is “CAM1”, the letters “CAM1” are shown in the first name display section 201N. In addition, since the name given to the source signal associated with the second crosspoint buttons 202A, 202B, and 102K in each crosspoint button row 20A, 20B, and 2 OK is “CAM2”, The characters “CAM2” are displayed on the second name display section 202N.

 Next, the third signal selection operation block 30 will be described with reference to FIG. Basically, it is exactly the same as the first signal selection operation block 10 and the second signal selection operation block 20 already described.

The third signal selection block 30 has the same cross point button row as the first and second signal selection blocks. Specifically, the third signal selection block 30 includes a foreground video signal sequence 3OA for selecting a foreground video signal supplied to the third MZE circuit 170, and a third MZE circuit 170. A background video signal button row 30B for selecting a background video signal supplied to the third M / E circuit 170, a key signal button row 30K for selecting a key signal supplied to the third M / E circuit 170, and a foreground video signal It has a source name display section 3 () N for displaying the name given to the source signal supplied to the input line of the button row 30A and the background video signal button row 30B. The foreground video signal button row 3 OA includes, in order from the left, a first crosspoint button 301 A, a second crosspoint button 302 A, a third crosspoint button 303 A, ..., and a 29th crosspoint button. A total of 29 crosspoint buttons consisting of point buttons 329 A are arranged. Similarly, the background video signal button row 30B includes a first crosspoint button 301B, a second crosspoint button 302B, a third crosspoint button 303B, ..., a 29th crosspoint button. A total of 29 crosspoint buttons consisting of buttons 329 B are arranged.

 The key signal button row 30K includes, in order from the left, a first crosspoint button 301K, a second crosspoint button 302Κ, a third crosspoint button 303Κ, ..., and a 29th crosspoint button 329. A total of 29 crosspoint buttons consisting of Κ are arranged.

 As in the case of the first signal selection operation block 10 and the second signal selection operation block 20 already described, the 29 first signal selection operation blocks 30 操作, 30Α, 30Κ The 29th to 29th crosspoint buttons are assigned identification numbers “1” to “29” from the left, respectively.

In the source name display section 3 ON, in order from the left, the first name display section 301N, the second name display section 302N, the third name display section 303N, ..., the 29th name display section 32 9N There are a total of 29 name display sections consisting of More specifically, the source name display 3 ON is supplied to the input line associated with each cross point button arranged in each cross point button row 30A, 30B, 3 OK. The name given to the input signal is displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the input line P rm 1 associated with the first cross point button 301 A, 301 B> 301 K in each cross point button row 30A, 30B, 3 OK is supplied. Since the name given to the source signal is “CAM1”, the characters “CAM1” are displayed on the first name display section 301N. Also, each The name given to the source signal supplied to the input line P rm 2 associated with the second crosspoint button 302A, 302B, 302K in the crosspoint button row 30A, 30B, 3 OK is “ Since it is CAM2j, the characters "CAM2" are displayed in the second name display section 302N. Here, the correspondence between the cross points of the matrix section 104 of the processor 1 described in FIG. 2 and the cross point buttons of the operation blocks 10, 20, and 30 described in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 will be described.

 The first cross point button 101 A of the first signal selection operation block 10 (see FIG. 4) is used as the cross point 101 a of the first signal selection block 110 (see FIG. 2) of the matrix section 104. The first cross point button 101B of the first signal selection operation block 10 corresponds to the cross point 101b of the first signal selection block 110 and the first signal selection operation block 1 The first crosspoint button 101K of 0 corresponds to the crosspoint 101k of the first signal selection block 110. Similarly, the second to 29th crosspoint buttons 102A to 129A correspond to the respective crosspoints 102a to 129a, and the second to 29th crosspoint buttons 102B to 29B corresponds to each of the crosspoints 102b to 129b, and the second to 29th crosspoint buttons 102K to 129K correspond to the respective crosspoints 102k to 129k. I have.

The first crosspoint button 201A of the second signal selection operation block 20 (see Fig. 5) corresponds to the crosspoint 201a of the second signal selection block 120 (see Fig. 2) of the matrix section 104. The first crosspoint button 201B of the second signal selection operation block 20 corresponds to the crosspoint 201b of the matrix section 104, and the first crosspoint button 201B of the second signal selection operation block 20. 1 K corresponds to the cross point 201 1 k of the matrix section 104. Similarly, the second to 29th crosspoint buttons 202A to 229A correspond to the respective crosspoints 202a to 229a, and the second to 29th crosspoint buttons respectively. Point buttons 202B to 229B correspond to the respective crosspoints 202b to 229b, and the second to 29th crosspoint buttons 202K to 229K correspond to the respective crosspoints 202k to 229k. I have.

 The first cross point button 301A of the third signal selection operation block 30 (see FIG. 6) corresponds to the cross point 301a of the third signal selection block 130 (see FIG. 2) of the matrix section 104, The first crosspoint button 301B of the third signal selection operation block 30 corresponds to the crosspoint 301b of the matrix section 104, and the first crosspoint button 301K of the third signal selection operation block 30 Corresponds to the cross point 301k in the matrix section 104. Similarly, the second to 29th crosspoint buttons 302A to 329A correspond to the respective crosspoints 302a to 329a, respectively, and the second to 29th crosspoint buttons 302B to 329B correspond to the respective crosspoint buttons 302B to 329B. The second to 29th crosspoint buttons 302K to 329K correspond to the crosspoints 302k to 329k, respectively, and correspond to the crosspoints 302b to 329k, respectively.

 In other words, as can be seen from the above description, the first cross point button 101 A, 101 B, 101K from the left, defined by the identification number “1” of each cross point button row, and 201 A, The same input line Prml is assigned to 201 B, 201 K, 301 Α, 301 Β, and 301 Κ. In simple terms, the first first cross-point button 101A, 101B, 101K, 201A, 20IB, 201K, 301A, 301Β The first button line V 1 in the direction will be associated with the first input line P rml.

Therefore, the first signal display operation block 10, the second signal selection operation block 20, and the first name display section 10 1N, 201N, 30IN in the third signal selection operation block 30 have the same name. Is displayed. In the examples shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, all have the same name "CAM1". For the sake of convenience in the following description, as described above, on the control panel 2, a vertical line composed of an array of the nth crosspoint buttons having the identification number “n” is referred to as an nth button line Vn. I will call it.

 Similarly, from the vertical button line V2 composed of the second crosspoint button on the control panel 2 to the vertical 29th button line V29 from the 29th crosspoint button, the The 29th input line Prm29 is assigned to the 2nd input line Prm2. Therefore, the same can be said for the second name display sections 102N, 202N, and 203N to the 29th name display section 129N, 229N, and 329N.

 In the examples shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first source input Prml is assigned to the first button line composed of the first crosspoint buttons, and the second The second source input P rm2 is assigned to the second button line composed of the cross point buttons of, and the 29th button line composed of the 29th cross point button Has described an example in which the 29th source input Prm29 is assigned, but the present invention is not limited to this assignment. Specifically, the assignment of each cross point button to an input line can be set freely by using a cross point button assignment table described later.

 Next, the AUX signal selection operation block 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Is this AUX signal selection operation block 40 an input color? 1 "1111? 1" 11 Cross point button for switching the cross point consisting of a matrix of 29 input lines and 29 output lines (AUX 1 to AUX 13) The cross-point button row 4 OA, the source name display section 4 ON that displays the name given to the source signal supplied to the input line assigned to each cross-point button, and the cross-point button row 4 OA In contrast, the first Output line AUX 1 to 13 th output line AUX 13 A line of delegation buttons 45 A having a delegation button for selecting one output line out of three output lines consisting of AUX 13 And an output source name display section 45N for displaying the name of the source signal currently used in the output line corresponding to each delegation button.

 As shown in FIG. 7, the crosspoint button row 4OA includes, in order from the left, a first crosspoint button 401A, a second crosspoint button 402A, and a third crosspoint button 403A. , ~, 29th crosspoint button 429 A total of 29 crosspoint buttons are arranged. Also, the 29 first to 29th cross point buttons provided on the cross button row 4OA include the same as the cross point buttons 101A to 29A, 201A to 229A, and 301A to 329A. From the left, identification numbers “1” to “29” are assigned, respectively.

 The first cross point button 401A is provided on a first button line V1 indicating a vertical button line on the control panel 2, and the second cross point button 402A is provided on the second The 29th cross point button 429A is provided on the 29th button line V29.

That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first cross-point button 101 A, provided on the first vertical button line V1 on the control panel 2, 101 B, 101 K, 201 A, 201 B, 201 K, 30 1 A, 30 1 Β, 30 1 Κ are associated with the first input line Ρ rml Similarly, the first crosspoint button 401A provided on the first button line V1 is associated with the first input line Prml. Similarly, the second cross-point button, the third cross-point button, ..., the 29th cross-point button correspond to the second input line P rm2 and the third input line, respectively. P rm3, .... Corresponds to the ninth input line P rm29.

 In the source name display section 4 ON, in order from the left, the first name display section 401 N, the second name display section 402 N, the third name display section 403 N, ..., the ninth name There are provided a total of 29 name display sections consisting of a display section 429 N. Specifically, this source name display 1 ON is assigned to the source signal supplied to the input line corresponding to each of the cross point buttons 401 A to 429 A. Is displayed.

 In the example shown in FIG. 7, the input line associated with the first cross point button 401A of the cross point button row 4OA is the first input line Prml, and this input line Since the name given to the supplied input source signal is “CAM1,” the first name display section 401N displays characters “CAM1”.

 In other words, these 29 crosspoint buttons 401A to 429A are the same as the crosspoint buttons 101A to: 129A, 201A to 229A, and 301A to 329A. , 29 input lines P rml to P rm29 respectively. Therefore, in the source name display section 45N, the same name as the name displayed in the source name display section 10N, 2ON, 30N of each signal selection operation block 10, 20, 30 is displayed. You.

 The first delegation button 45 1A, the second delegation button 45 2A, the third delegation button 453A, ..., the third delegation button 45A There are a total of 13 delegation buttons consisting of 46 3 A. In addition, the 13 first to 13th delegation buttons 45 1 A to 46 3 A provided on this delegation button row 45 A have, from the left side, “1” to “2 9”, respectively. An identification number is assigned.

The output source name display section 45 N has a first name display section 45 1 N, There are provided a total of thirteen name display sections, including a second name display section 452N, a third name display section 453N, ..., a thirteenth name display section 463N. Specifically, names assigned to the source signals output to the output lines AUX1 to AUX13 are displayed on the name display sections 451N to 463N, respectively.

 Next, referring to FIG. 8, the name displayed on the output source name display section 45N will be described in more detail. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the AUX signal selection block 14 () shown in FIG.

 In FIG. 8, the first input line P rml and the first output line AUX 1 are connected at a cross point 401 a-1, and the second input line P r m2 and the second output line AUX 2 are crossed. Connected at point 402a-2, the third input line Prm3 and third output line AUX3 are connected at crosspoint 403a-3, the sixth input line Prm6 and the seventh output line AUX 7 is connected at cross point 406a-7, the seventh input line P rm7 is connected to the eighth output line AUX 8 at cross point 407a-8, and the eighth input line P rm8 is connected to the ninth input line P rm8. Output line AUX9 is connected at crosspoint 408a-9, tenth input line Prml0 and fourth output line AUX4 are connected at crosspoint 410a-4, and Input line Prml 1 and fifth output line AUX5 cross point 41 1 a— 5 shows an example of connection.

That is, the signal output from the AUX first video camera CAM 1 is output from the first output line AUX 1 via the cross point 401 a-1, and the signal output from the second video camera CAM 2 is The signal output from the second output line AUX 2 via the cross point 402 a-2 and the signal output from the third video camera CAM 3 is output to the third output line via the cross point 403 a-3. The signal output from AUX 3 and output from the third video tape recorder VTR 3 is output from the seventh output line via the cross point 406a-7, and is output from the fourth video tape recorder VTR 3. The signal output from the video tape recorder VTR 4 is output from the eighth output line AUX 8 via the cross point 407a-8, and the signal output from the first disk recorder DR 1 is The signal output from the ninth output line AUX 9 via 408 a-9 and the signal output from the first special effects device DME 1 is output to the fourth output via the cross point 4 1 0 a-4. The signal output from the line AUX 4 and output from the second special effect device DME 2 is output from the fifth output line AUX 5 via the cross point 4 11 a-5.

 Accordingly, the first output source name display section 45 1 N corresponding to the first output line AUX 1 displays “CAM 1” in the first output source name display section 45, and the second output source corresponding to the second output line AUX 2 The letters “CAM2” are displayed on the name display section 45 2N, and the letters “CAM 3” are displayed on the third output source name display section 45 3 N corresponding to the third output line AUX 3. The fourth output source name display section 454N corresponding to the fourth output line AUX4 displays “DME 1”, and the seventh output source name display section corresponding to the seventh output line AUX7 45 The word “VTR 3” is displayed on the 7N, and the word “VTR4” is displayed on the eighth output source name display section 458 N corresponding to the eighth output line AUX 8. The word “DR 1” is displayed in the ninth output source name display section 459N corresponding to the 9 output lines AUX9. In the sixth output source name display section 456N, the source name is not displayed because there is no source signal output to the sixth output color AUX 6.

 Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the relationship between each cross point button of the AUX signal selection operation block 40 and each cross point of the AUX signal selection block 140 will be described in more detail.

First, since the first cross point button 40 1 A is associated with the first input line P rml, by operating the cross point button 40 1 A, the first input line P rm 1 The top 13 crosspoints 40 1 a—1, Switching of 401a-2, 401a-3, ..., 401a-13 can be operated. Similarly, since the second cross point button 402A is associated with the second input line P rm2, by operating the second cross point button 402A, the second input line P The switching of the 13 crosspoints 401 a-1, 401 a-2, 401 a-3, ..., 401 a-13 on rm2 can be operated. In other words, by operating the “n” th nth crosspoint button 40 'n' A from the left, the switching of the 13 crosspoints on the “n” th input line P rm 'n' can be operated. can do.

 The 13 delegation buttons 451 A to 463 A are respectively associated with the 13 output lines AUX 1 to AUX 13. By operating this delegation button, one output line can be selected from the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13.

 For example, pressing the second delegation button 452A selects the second output line AUX2, and pressing the fourth delegation button 454A selects the fourth output line AUX4.

 It should be noted here that these delegation buttons 451A to 463A are cross-point buttons for selecting one output color from output lines AUX 1 to AUX 13. It does not switch crosspoint connections.

 In FIGS. 7 and 8, a first input line P rml is assigned to the first cross point button 401A, and a second input line P rml is assigned to the second cross point button 402A. An example is shown in which the 29th input line P rm29 is assigned to the source input P rm2 line of 、, and the 29th cross point button 429 A, but the device of the present invention However, it is not limited to such an assignment.

In other words, each cross point button in each signal selection block 10, 20, 30 Similarly to the assignment of the input lines to the input lines, the assignment of the crosspoint buttons 401 A to 429 A to the input lines Prml to Prm29 can be freely set by a crosspoint button assignment table described later.

4. Description of panel control block

 Next, a panel control block 2c for controlling the control panel 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

 The panel control block 2c is provided on a board provided on the back side of the button arrangement surface (front surface) of the control panel 2 on which the cross-point buttons are arranged. The panel control block 2c generates a control signal in accordance with the ON / OFF state of the cross point button provided on the control panel 2, outputs the control signal to the processor 1, and outputs the control signal to the processor 1. This is a block for controlling the light emission of the LED (Light Emitting Diode) of the keyboard and the source name display.

The panel control block 2c includes a main CPU 201 for controlling each circuit in the panel control block 2c via a control bus, and a program for storing a program for controlling operation of the panel control block 2c. Stores the ROM 202, nonvolatile ERP (Electric Erasable Program Read Only Memory) 203 for storing information set for the control panel 2, and the cross-point state of the matrix section 104 of the processor 1. RAM 204 for communication, a communication CPU 205 for communicating with the processor 1 via an interface circuit (I / F) 206, and a cross-point button provided on the control panel 2. A signal indicating the ON / OF F status is received from each crosspoint button, and the LED for button lighting provided on each crosspoint button is displayed. 207 provided for the button controller 207 for transmitting the control signal for the control, the source name display section 10 N, 2 ON, 3 ON, 40 N and the output source name display section 45 N of the control panel 2. L for emitting light The EEPROM 203 includes an ED controller 208 and a display controller 209 for driving a display provided on the display unit 50 of the control panel 2. The EEPROM 203 has 29 primary input lines and 29 cross points. A crosspoint button allocation table for storing the association with the button is stored.

 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, this cross point button assignment table is a table in which the numbers indicating the 29 primary input lines are associated with the identification numbers indicating the 29 cross point buttons. is there.

 The cross point allocation table shown in FIG. 10 is a table created to correspond to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and corresponds to the first input line P rml. The first crosspoint button is assigned, the second input point Prm2 is assigned to the second crosspoint button, and the 29th input line Prm29 is assigned to the 29th crosspoint Buttons are assigned. Note that this cross point button assignment table is a table that allows the operator to freely set the operation during setup of the device, and is not limited to the assignment of input lines and cross point buttons as shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, assign the fourth input line P rm4 to the first cross point button and assign the seventh input line P rm7 to the third cross point button. Buttons can be assigned.

 The EEPROM 203 stores a source name table having source names assigned to the signals supplied to the 29 primary input lines.

 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the source name table includes a number indicating a primary input line and a source name assigned to a signal supplied to the 29 input lines. It is a table associated.

The source name table shown in Fig. 11 is shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the signal supplied to the first input line P rml is given the name “CAM 丄”, and the second input line P rm2 The signal supplied to the third input line is assigned “CAM2”, and the signal supplied to the third input line P rm3 is assigned the name “CAM3”. The signal supplied to line P rm4 is labeled "VTR 1" and the signal supplied to the fifth input line P rm5 is labeled "VT R2". The signal supplied to the sixth input line P rm6 is given the name “VTR3”, and the signal supplied to the seventh input line P rm7 is given the name “VTR4”. And the signal supplied to the eighth input line P rm 8 is given the name “DR 1” and the ninth input line P rm9 The supplied signal is given the name “DR2”, the signal supplied to the tenth input line Prml 0 is given the name “DME 1”, The signal supplied to the input line Prml1 is given the name "DME2" and the signal supplied to the twelfth input line Prml2 is given the name "DME3". 6 is a table showing an example in which is added.

 Note that the names stored in the source name table can be freely set by the operating system and are not limited to the names shown in FIG.

 The RAM 204 has a cross point table for storing the 0 NZOF state of the cross point of the matrix unit 104 of the processor 1.

As shown in FIG. 12, this cross point table is composed of data that stores the state of the cross point in a map form. Specifically, the cross point table corresponds to 29 input lines P rm1 to P rm29. , 13 output lines from AIJX signal selection block 140 AUX 1 to AUX 13; 3 output lines from first signal selection block 1 10; 3 outputs from second signal selection block 120 Line, a two-bit data indicating whether or not three output lines from the third signal selection block 13 # are connected are stored. In FIG. 12, "1" indicates that the input line and the output line are connected, and "0" indicates that the input line and the output line are not connected. .

 5. Operation of matrix switcher

 The operation of the matrix switcher will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

 First, the setup of the control panel 2 and the panel control block 2c will be described with reference to FIG.

 In step S1, the CPU 201 determines whether or not to create a new cross point allocation table based on an instruction from the operator. If YES, proceed to step S2, if NO, proceed to step S3.

 In step S2, the CPU 201 creates a new crosspoint button allocation table according to the operation of the operator. Specifically, the CPU 201 controls the display controller 209 to display a table-like display as shown in FIG. 10 on a display provided on the display unit 80 of the control panel 2. At this time, the data displayed on the display is the number data from 1 to 29 of the primary input line, and the data indicating the identification number of the crosspoint button is not displayed and remains blank. Next, the operator newly inputs a desired cross-point button number by operating a cursor and a numeric keypad provided near the display. The CPU 201 receives, via the display controller 209, the data indicating the newly input identification number of the crosspoint button, and creates a crosspoint button allocation table as shown in FIG. At the end of step S3, the CPU 201 stores the newly created crosspoint allocation table in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 203.

In step S3, the CPU 201 sets a new It is determined whether or not a source name table is created. If YES, proceed to step S4, and if NO, proceed to step S5.

 In step S4, the CPU 201 creates a new source name table according to the operation of the operation. Specifically, the CPU 201 controls the display controller 209 so that the display provided in the display unit 80 of the control panel 2 displays the table data and the keyboard as shown in FIG. 11. I do. At this time, the data displayed on the display is only the number data from 1 to 29 of the primary input line, and the source name is not displayed and remains blank. Next, the operator inputs a new desired source name by operating a force key and a numeric keypad provided near the display. The CPU 201 receives the newly input source name via the display controller 209 and creates a source name table as shown in FIG. At the end of step S4, the CPU 201 stores the newly created source name table in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 203.

 In step S5, the CPU 201 determines whether to use the cross-point button assignment table and the source name table already stored in the EEPROM 203 based on the operation of the operator.

 Through the above steps S1 to S5, the EE PROM 203 stores the cross point button assignment table and the source name table having the setup data desired by the operator.

 Next, a case where a new cross point is set will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S11, the CPU 201 determines whether the delegation buttons 451A to 463A have been pressed according to a command from the button controller 207. When the CPU 201 detects that any one of the 13 delegation buttons 45 1 A to 463 A has been pressed, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S 1 Proceed to 2. Here, in order to make the following description easier to understand, according to the example shown in FIG. 8, in this step S11, the seventh delegation button 457A out of the thirteen delegation buttons is operated by the operet. In step S12, it is assumed that the button is pressed.The button controller 207 causes the LED provided inside the pressed delegation button to emit light in order to turn on the delegation button pressed in step S11. .

 In step S13, the CPU 201 selects an output line corresponding to the delegation button selected in step S11 from the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13. That is, since the seventh delegation button 457A is pressed in step SI1, the CPU 201 selects the seventh output line AUX7 from the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13.

 In step S14, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cross point buttons 401A to 429A have been pressed according to the detection signal from the button controller 207. When the CPU 201 detects that any one of the 29 cross-point buttons 401A to 429A has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S14. For the explanation of the next step, it is assumed that the sixth crosspoint button 406A among the 29 crosspoint buttons is pressed by the operator in step S14 according to the example shown in FIG. .

 In step S15, the button controller 207 causes the LED provided inside the pressed cross point button to emit light in order to turn on the cross point button pressed in step S13.

In step S16, the CPU 201 refers to the crosspoint button assignment table stored in the EEPROM 203, and converts the input lines assigned to the crosspoint buttons selected in step S14 into 29 input lines P. Select from rm 1 to P rm29. Specifically, referring to the data of the EEPROM 203 shown in FIG. 9, the input assigned to the sixth crosspoint button is input. Since the line is the sixth input line Prm6, the CPU 201 selects the sixth input line in step S] 6.

 In step S17, the CPU 201 determines a crosspoint to be switched based on the output line and the input line selected in step S13 and step S16. Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, since the seventh output line AUX 7 has already been selected in the processing of step S13 and the sixth input line P rm6 has been selected in step S16, the CPU 201 It can be determined that the cross point for connecting the seventh output line AUX7 and the sixth input line P rm6 is the cross point 406a-7.

 In step S18, the CPU 201 transmits a control command to the processor 1 so as to switch the cross point 406a-7 selected by the processing in step S17 from the disconnected state (OFF) to the connected state (ON). It is transmitted via the CPU 205.

 On the other hand, the CPU 101 of the processor that has received the control command controls the crosspoints 406a-7 from the non-connection state (OFF) to the connection state (ON). In step S19, the CPU 201 updates the data of the cross-point table stored in the RAM 204. More specifically, since the cross point 406 a-7 is changed from the unconnected state (OFF) to the connected state (ON) by the processing in step S14, the cross point 406 a in the cross point table is changed. The data indicating the connection status of 7 is switched from “0” to “1”.

 In step S20, the CPU 201 controls the LED controller 208 so that the character "VTR 3" is displayed on the seventh name display section 457N of the output source name display section 45N.

Through the above steps S11 to S20, the setting of one cross point is completed. When setting a plurality of cross points, the loop from step S11 to step S20 may be repeated. Next, a case in which an already set cross point is changed to a different cross point will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

 To make the flowchart easier to understand, a specific example will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the signal from the third video tape recorder VTR 3 is supplied to the seventh output line AUX7 connected to the second disk recorder. FIG. 14 shows a specific example in which the cross point is switched from the initial state shown in FIG. 8 so that the signal from the second video camera CAM2 is output to the seventh output line AUX7. Explain the oral chat.

 First, in step S21, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the delegation buttons 451A to 463A have been pressed according to a command from the button controller 207. When the CPU 201 detects that any one of the 13 delegation buttons 451A to 463A has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S12. In the specific example described above, the signal output to the seventh output line AUX 7 must be switched from the signal of the third video tape recorder VTR 3 to the signal of the second video camera. The operator will press the seventh delegation button 457A.

 In step S22, the button controller 207 emits an LED provided inside the pressed delegation button 457A to light the delegation button 457A pressed in step S11. Let it.

 In step S23, the CPU 201 selects an output line corresponding to the delegation button selected in step S21 from the 13 output lines AUX1 to AUX13. That is, since the seventh delegation button 457A is pressed in step S21, the CPU 201 sets the 13 output lines AUX ;! Select the seventh output line AUX 7 from ~ AUX 13.

In step S24, the CPU 201 searches for an input line that crosses the seventh output line AUX7 selected in step S23. In particular, The CPU 201 refers to the cross-point data stored in the cross-point table of the RAM 204, and sets the input lines crossing the seventh output line AUX to the 29 input lines P rml to P rm29 Choose from In this example, the input line that crosses the seventh output line AUX 7 is the sixth input line P rm6, so in this step, the CPU 201 resets the sixth input line P rm6 select.

 In step S24, the CPU 201 refers to the cross-point data stored in the cross-point table of the RAM 204, and crosses the seventh output line AUX with the sixth input line P rm7. The crosspoint circuit to be recognized can be recognized as the crosspoint 406a-7 in the matrix unit 104.

 In step S25, the CPU 201 searches for a cross point button corresponding to the input line selected in the processing in step S24. Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to the crosspoint button assignment table of the EEPRROM 203 and selects the crosspoint button assigned to the sixth input line Prm6. In this example, the crosspoint button corresponding to the sixth input line Prm6 is the sixth crosspoint button 406A. Therefore, the CPU 201 selects the sixth cross point button 406A as the cross button corresponding to the input line to which the signal output to the seventh output line is supplied.

 In step S26, the CPU 201 controls the button controller 207 so as to make the LED of the sixth crosspoint button 406A selected in step S25 emit light and turn on the button 406A.

In step S27, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a cross button other than the lit cross button has been pressed according to the detection signal from the button controller 207. That is, in this example, except for the sixth crosspoint button 406 A that is lit by the processing of step S25 and step S26. It is determined whether or not the cross-point buttons 401 A to 405 Λ and 407 Α to 429 have been pressed. In the specific example described above, the signal output to the seventh output line AUX7 must be switched from the signal of the third video tape recorder VTR 3 to the signal of the second video power camera. In step S27, the operator presses the second crosspoint button 402A.

 In step S28, the button controller 207 causes an LED provided inside the pressed cross point button to emit light in order to light the cross point button 402A pressed in step S27. Also, turn off the previously lit cross point button 406 A.

 In step S29, the CPU 201 refers to the crosspoint button assignment table stored in the EEPROM 203, and sets the input line assigned to the crosspoint button 402A selected in step S27 to the 29 input lines P rml Select from ~ Prm29. Specifically, referring to the data of the EE PRO 203 shown in FIG. 9, since the input line assigned to the second cross point button is the second input line P rm2, the CPU 201 executes this step. In S29, a second input line is selected.

 In step S30, the CPU 201 determines a crosspoint to be switched based on the output line and the input line selected in step S23 and step S29. More specifically, since the seventh output line AUX 7 has already been selected in the process of step S23 and the second input line P rm 2 has been selected in step S29, the CPU 201 sets the seventh output line The cross point for connecting the line AUX 7 to the second input line P rm2 can be determined to be the cross point 402a-7.

In step S31, the CPU 201 switches the previously connected cross point 406a-7 selected by the processing in step S24 from the connection state (ON) to the non-connection state (OFF), By the processing of step S30 A control command is transmitted to the processor 1 through the communication CPU 205 so as to switch the selected cross point 402a-7 from the disconnected state (OFF) to the connected state (ON).

 On the other hand, the CPU 101 of the processor that has received the control command switches the crosspoints 406a-7 from the connection state (ON) to the non-connection state (OFF) and disconnects the crosspoints 402a-7. Control from connection state (OFF) to connection state (〇N).

 In step S32, the CPU 201 updates the data of the cross-point table stored in the RAM 204. Specifically, the crosspoint 406a-7 is switched from the connected state (ON) to the disconnected state (OFF) by the processing of step S31, and the crosspoint 402a-7 is switched from the disconnected state (OFF). Since the connection state has been switched, the CPU 201 changes the connection status of the crosspoints 406a-7 in the crosspoint table from “1” to “0” and changes the crosspoint 402. a— Change the data indicating the connection status of 7 from “0” to “1”.

 In step S33, the CPU 201 causes the LED controller 208 to cause the seventh name display section 457N of the output source name display section 45N to display the characters "CAM2" instead of the characters "VTR3". Control.

 By the above steps S21 to S33, the change processing for one cross point is completed. When changing a plurality of cross points, the loop from step S21 to step S33 may be repeated.

As described above, the matrix switcher according to the present invention is a matrix switcher for switching a cross point generated by crossing a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines. A plurality of cross-point buttons for selecting a desired input line from a plurality of input lines, and a plurality of delegation buttons for selecting a desired output line from the plurality of output lines A source name assigned to the source signal supplied to the input line on a predetermined name display unit, and a source signal output from the output line via the cross point. And a panel control block for displaying the source name given to the user on a predetermined name display section.

 Therefore, the source name previously assigned to the signal output to the output line is displayed on the control panel name display section in association with the delegation button indicating the output line. It is possible to visually grasp which device the supply destination is.

 Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention includes a cross point allocation table for storing allocation data for allocating a plurality of cross point buttons to a plurality of input lines, and a source signal supplied to the plurality of input lines. It has a source name table for storing the assigned source names.

 Therefore, a plurality of input lines can be freely assigned to a plurality of cross point buttons. Also, a free source name can be given to the source input signal. In addition, the matrix switcher of the present invention stores the cross point allocation table and the source name table in a non-volatile memory. Can be used.

 Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention has a cross-point table for storing cross-point information indicating connection / non-connection states of all cross-points in the matrix section inside the processor. Therefore, the panel control means can always grasp the connection Z non-connection state of the cross point of the matrix section, and can perform high-speed control on the control panel.

Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects an input line connected to an output line corresponding to delegation based on information of a cross point table, and selects an input line connected to a selected input line based on a source name table. Source supplied The source name given to the signal is displayed.

 Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention selects one output line from a plurality of output lines in response to the operation of any one of the plurality of delegation buttons, and then selects a plurality of cross point buttons. One cross point is selected from multiple cross points in the matrix by selecting one input line from multiple input lines in response to the operation of one of the operation buttons.

 Therefore, it is possible to reliably select the cross point with a small number of operation buttons on the control panel.

The matrix switcher according to the present invention further includes a first process of selecting one output line from a plurality of output lines in response to a button selected by the operation button of the delegation button, and a crosspoint table. Based on the information, the input line that is already connected to the output line selected in the first process is selected from among the plurality of input lines, and the output line selected in the first process is selected. A second process for selecting the set cross point from among a plurality of cross points in the processor; and a second process for assigning to the input line selected in the second process based on a cross point button assignment table. A third process for selecting a crosspoint button from among a plurality of crosspoint buttons, and a third process for selecting a crosspoint button And the fourth processing of lighting the selected cross point button. Therefore, when the operator operates the delegation button, the cross point button associated with the input line connected to the output line associated with the delegation button can be automatically turned on. Further, the matrix switcher of the present invention includes a fifth process for detecting whether or not a button other than the cross-point button lit in the fourth process is selected by an operation of the operating device, and a cross-point button allocation table. The input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process is In accordance with the sixth processing selected from among the input points and the output line selected in the first processing and the input line selected in the sixth processing, a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points is set to 1 A seventh processing for selecting one cross point, a control command for switching the cross point selected in the second processing from a connected state to a disconnected state, and a cross point selected in the seventh processing. And a control command for switching from the disconnected state to the connected state and an eighth process of sending the to the processor. Therefore, the crosspoint can be automatically switched simply by operating the delegation button and the crosspoint button, and the usability of button operation is improved.

 Further, the matrix switch of the present invention includes a ninth process for retrieving a source name given to the input line selected in the sixth process based on the name data of the source name table, and a ninth process. The 10th process of newly displaying the searched source name on the name display section corresponding to the output line selected in the first process instead of the source name already displayed is performed. I have to. Therefore, when the cross point is switched, the name displayed automatically changes according to the switching. Industrial applicability

 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The matrix switcher of the present invention can be applied to a switcher system that selects desired source video data from video data input from a plurality of input lines and switches to a desired output line as appropriate in a broadcast station or the like and outputs the selected output data. .

Claims

Scope of word blue

 1. In a matrix switcher for switching a cross point generated by a cross between a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines,

 A plurality of first operation buttons for selecting a desired input line from the plurality of input lines;

 A plurality of first display units for displaying a source name given to a source signal at a location respectively associated with the plurality of first operation buttons;

 A plurality of second operation buttons for selecting a desired output line from the plurality of output lines;

 A plurality of second display units for displaying a source name given to the source signal at locations respectively associated with the plurality of second operation buttons;

 The source name given to the source signal supplied to the input line is displayed on the first display unit, and the source given to the source signal output from the output line via the cross point is displayed. Control means for displaying the name on the second display unit;

 Matrix switcher with

 2. A control panel including the plurality of first operation buttons, the plurality of first display units, the plurality of second operation buttons, and the plurality of second display units,

 A panel control block having the control means,

 A matrix section in which the plurality of input lines and the plurality of output lines intersect in a matrix;

 A processor having switching control means for controlling switching of each cross point in the matrix unit;

 The matrix switcher according to claim 1, comprising:

 3. The above control means

Assignment data for assigning the input lines to the first operation button A memory means to remember the evening

 The matrix switcher according to claim 1, comprising:

 4. The above control means

 Storage means for storing the names given to the signals supplied to the plurality of input lines

 2. The matrix switch according to claim 1, comprising:

 5. A memory for storing assignment data for allocating the plurality of input lines to the first operation buttons, and for storing source names respectively assigned to source signals supplied to the plurality of input lines. First storage means

 3. The matrix switcher according to claim 2, further comprising:

 6. The control means is as follows:

 Assignment data indicating the operation buttons assigned to the plurality of input lines is stored in the first storage means as a first table, and the source names assigned to the plurality of input lines are stored in a second table. 6. The matrix switcher according to claim 5, wherein the value is stored in the first storage means.

 7. The first storage means is

 Non-volatile memory

 7. The matrix switcher according to claim 6, wherein:

 8. Second storage means for storing cross-point information indicating the connection Z non-connection state of all cross points in the matrix section of the processor

 7. The matrix switcher according to claim 6, further comprising:

 9. The control means is as follows:

 9. The matrix switcher according to claim 8, wherein the cross point information is stored as a third table in the second storage unit.

1 0. The control means The second display unit based on the name data of the second table stored in the first storage means and the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means. The source name assigned to the signal output from the output line.

 10. The matrix switcher according to claim 9.

 1 1. The above control means

 An input line connected to an output line corresponding to the second operation button is selected based on the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means. The source name given to the source signal supplied to the selected input line is stored in the second operation button based on the name of the second table stored in the storage means. Display on the corresponding second display unit

 10. The matrix switcher according to claim 9.

 1 2. The control means

 In response to the operation of the first operation button and the second operation button, one cross point is selected as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points of the matrix section, and the selected cross point is selected. A control command for switching from a disconnected state to a connected state to the processor,

 The switching control means of the processor includes:

 Switching the selected cross point from a disconnected state to a connected state according to a control command sent from the control means.

 10. The matrix switcher according to claim 9.

 1 3. The control means

In response to the operation of one of the plurality of second operation buttons, one output line is selected from the plurality of output lines, and thereafter, one of the plurality of first operation buttons is selected. By selecting one input line from the plurality of input lines in response to operation of one of the operation buttons, the matrix 13. The matrix switcher according to claim 12, wherein one cross point is selected from a plurality of cross points of the section.

 1 4. The control means

 When it is detected that one of the plurality of second operation buttons is operated by the operator, an output line corresponding to the operated second operation button is searched, and the searched output line is searched for. Turns on the first operation button associated with the input line connected to

 11. The matrix switcher according to claim 11.

 1 5. The above control means

 A first process of selecting one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to an operation button selected by an operator among the plurality of second operation buttons;

 A second process of selecting an input line already connected to the selected output line from among a plurality of input lines based on the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means When,

 On the basis of the allocation data of the first table stored in the first storage means, the operation button allocated to the input line selected in the second processing is replaced with the plurality of first buttons. A third process of selecting from the operation buttons,

 A fourth process of lighting the first button selected in the third process; and

 The matrix switcher according to claim 11, wherein the matrix switcher performs at least:

 1 6. The above control means

 Fifth processing for detecting whether or not an operation button other than the first operation button illuminated in the fourth processing is selected by an operator's operation;

Based on the data in the operation button allocation table, the input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth processing is selected from among the plurality of input lines. A sixth process to choose from,

 A seventh process of determining a cross point inside the processor according to the output line selected in the first process and the human power line selected in the sixth process;

 Eighth processing for transmitting a control command for controlling the cross point determined in the seventh processing from the non-connection state to the connection state to the processor,

 16. The matrix switcher according to claim 15, further comprising:

1 7. The switching control means of the above processor

 17. The matrix switcher according to claim 16, wherein the cross point determined in the seventh process is switched from a disconnected state to a connected state based on a control command sent from the control means.

1 8. The above control means

 A first process of selecting one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to an operation button selected by an operator among the plurality of second operation buttons;

 An input line already connected to the output line selected in the first processing is selected from a plurality of input lines based on the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means. And a second process of selecting a cross point set for the output line selected in the first process from among a plurality of cross points in the processor;

 On the basis of the allocation data of the first table stored in the first storage means, the operation buttons allocated to the input line selected in the second processing are changed to the plurality of first operations A third action to select from the buttons,

 A fourth process of lighting the first button selected in the third process, and

The operation buttons other than the first operation button illuminated in the fourth process are: A fifth process of detecting whether or not the selection has been made by the operation of the operator;

 A sixth process of selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines based on the data of the operation button assignment table;

 One cross point is selected as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points in the processor according to the output line selected in the first processing and the input line selected in the sixth processing. Seventh processing,

 A first control command for switching the cross point selected in the second processing from the connected state to the disconnected state, and a cross point selected in the seventh processing from the disconnected state to the connected state. Eighth processing for sending a second control command for switching to the processor, and

 The matrix switcher according to claim 11, wherein the matrix switcher performs at least:

 1 9. The control means

 Cross-point information indicating the connection state of the cross point selected in the second processing stored in the second storage means, and cross-point information indicating the connection state of the cross point selected in the seventh processing Update information with new crosspoint information

 19. The matrix switcher according to claim 18.

20. The control means

 Fifth processing for detecting whether or not an operation button other than the first operation button illuminated in the fourth processing is selected by the operation of the operator;

 A sixth process of selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines based on the data in the operation button assignment table. ,

Based on the name of the second table stored in the storage means, A ninth process of searching for a source name given to the input line selected in the sixth process;

 The source name searched in the ninth process is newly displayed on the second display unit corresponding to the output line selected in the first process, instead of the source name already displayed. The 10th process and

 16. The matrix switcher according to claim 15, wherein:

2 1. The control means

 A first process of selecting one output line from the plurality of output lines in response to an operation button selected by an operator among the plurality of second operation buttons;

 An input line already connected to the output line selected in the first processing is selected from a plurality of input lines based on the cross-point information of the third table stored in the second storage means. And a second process of selecting a cross point set for the output line selected in the first process from among a plurality of cross points in the processor;

 On the basis of the allocation data of the first table stored in the first storage means, the operation buttons allocated to the input line selected in the second processing are replaced with the plurality of first operation buttons A third process to choose from,

 A fourth process of lighting the first button selected in the third process, and

 Fifth processing for detecting whether or not an operation button other than the first operation button illuminated in the fourth processing is selected by an operator's operation;

 A sixth process of selecting an input line corresponding to the first operation button selected in the fifth process from the plurality of input lines based on the data in the operation button assignment table; ,

The output line selected in the first process and the output line selected in the sixth process. A seventh process of selecting one cross point as a cross point to be connected from a plurality of cross points inside the processor according to the input line selected by the

 A first control command for switching the cross point selected in the second processing from the connected state to the disconnected state, and a switching of the cross point selected in the seventh processing from the disconnected state to the connected state. An eighth process of sending a second control command to the processor to perform

 A ninth process of searching for a source name assigned to the input line selected in the sixth process based on the name data of the second table stored in the first storage means;

 The source name searched in the ninth process is newly displayed on the second display unit corresponding to the output line selected in the first process, instead of the source name already displayed. And the 10th process

 The matrix switcher according to claim 11, wherein the matrix switcher performs:

2 2. The control means

 Cross-point information indicating the connection state of the cross-point selected in the second processing stored in the second storage means, and indicating the connection state of the cross-point selected in the seventh processing Update cross-point information with new cross-point information

 A matrix switcher according to claim 21.

2 3. The above processor

 It has a plurality of mix effect circuits that apply effects to the supplied source signals and mix the supplied multiple source signals,

 The control panel is

A third operation button for selecting a source signal to be supplied to the plurality of mix-no-effect circuits, and a place corresponding to the third operation button, 10. The matrix switcher according to claim 9, further comprising a third display unit for displaying a source name given to the source signal.

2 4. The above control means

 The same input line is allocated to the first operation button and the third operation button based on the first table stored in the first storage means, and the same input line is stored in the first storage means. The same source name is displayed on the first display unit and the third display unit based on the second table.

 23. The matrix switcher according to claim 23.